Tampon Applicator Assembly

Abstract

A tampon applicator assembly is described which has a compact tampon applicator and a tampon having a longitudinal body defining an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a central section extending there between, a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface. The outer surface of the tampon has at least one area of radial depression.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to tampon applicator assemblies and is particularly directed toward such assemblies provided in a compact, unobtrusive, conveniently short form.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Most commercially available assemblies for introducing catamenial tampons intravaginally comprise a tampon disposed inside a tampon applicator consisting of a pair of telescoping tubes.[0003]In assemblies comprising a non-compact tampon applicator, a tampon is disposed in an outer tube which is combined with an ejector tube adapted to slideably expel the tampon from the outer tube. The ejector tube is smaller in diameter than the outer tube and is telescopically positioned therein so that by moving the ejector tube into one end of the outer tube, the tampon may be ejected from the opposite end. The outer tube is, of necessity, longer than the tampon and, to insure complete ejection of the tampon from the outer tube, generally the ejector tube is likewise long...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a tampon applicator and tampon assembly with a unique design. The tampon has areas of radial depression on its outer surface, which reduces friction and prevents displacement of the tampon during use. The design also minimizes damage to the tampon surface and reduces loss of tampon material during the cocking and ejection steps. Additionally, the tampon may have at least one radially pressed groove for further improved performance."

Problems solved by technology

Nevertheless, when the ejector tube is being withdrawn, the close association between the outer surface of the tampon and the opposing inner surface of the ejector tube may occasionally override this engagement, leading to displacement of the tampon.

Because the hygienic requirements preclude further manipulation of the assembly by the user to reposition the tampon, assemblies with displaced tampons are unusable and need to be discarded.

Hence, a small proportion of presently existing assemblies malfunctions and must be discarded, which may lead to consumer annoyance especially in situations when no other assemblies are at hand.

Therefore, the surface or the edges of these fingers may occasionally scrape material from the outer surface of the tampon, leading to undesirable loss of material.

Hence, the surface or edges of the petal sections may also retain material from the outer surface of the tampon, leading to further unwanted loss of material.

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